UK plans right for flat owners to demand gigabit broadband

Changes to Electronic Communications Code would bypass landlord objections to fiber installations

The UK government is consulting on plans to give the owners of 1.2 million flats in England and Wales a formal right to request gigabit-capable broadband.

Flat owners would gain the right through proposed changes to the Electronic Communications Code that would make it easier for service providers to install network infrastructure when a building's owners are unknown or unresponsive, according to the consultation published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

DSIT proposes that leaseholders of flats gain a formal right to request a connection of at least one gigabit per second (Gbps), which the building's freehold owners could not reasonably refuse. Under the plans, flat owners would make the formal requests, meaning that renters would have to ask their landlords, although the consultation asks whether the right should be extended to renters as well.

Using data from May 2025, DSIT estimates that 1.2 million flats in England and Wales do not have access to gigabit-capable internet services, although in some cases it admits this may be due to services not being commercially viable.

It reckons that 90.8 percent of all residential properties in urban and suburban areas have access to 1 Gbps services. However, this falls to 80.7 percent for flats.

"These proposed measures would help deliver better connectivity for properties that face additional challenges to gigabit broadband rollout, and will ensure all UK families can benefit from the digital age," said telecoms minister Liz Lloyd.

The government wants at least 99 percent of premises to have access to broadband capable of 1 Gbps by 2032.

The Reg recently spoke to a reader living in a block of flats who is unable to access high-speed fiber broadband because potential supplier CityFibre said it did not have permission from the landlord to install kit in his building.

Openreach, the unit of telco BT that undertakes infrastructure work for more than 600 internet service providers, said it was seeking a change in the law.

Openreach welcomed DSIT's announcement. "It's something we've long campaigned for to make sure no one's left behind," it said in a statement to The Reg.

"We believe that everyone should have access to the latest broadband technology and it's a zero-cost move that will support growth in the economy. We'll respond to the consultation and urge the government to review responses and introduce legislation rapidly to benefit homes and businesses across the UK."

However, internet access research website Thinkbroadband, said it was concerned the planned legislation will focus specifically on 1 Gbps as requirements change over time, and it is important for consumers to have choice rather than a single provider.

Further, it said problems are not limited to flats as houses can have connections blocked by landowners, such as of private roads.

The consultation, which includes a question on whether changes should also apply to commercial properties or houses, closes on February 16. ®